Government defends Fraser Island Fires..

The Qld State Government has finally commented on the recent disastrous “uncontrolled” fires on Fraser Island. The Environment Minister, Vicky Darling, has defended the Fraser Island Fire Management Strategy (FIFMS). In a statement released she announced that the fires are conducted to “mitigate the risk to life and property and increase bio-diversity”. This seems at odds with the fact that lives were put at risk and the vegetation will take many generations to recover.

The intensity of this fire is overlooked in the Ministers’ response and the suggestion that it will provide “habitat and sustenance” for wildlife only proves how ill-informed this government is.. The Minister seems unaware that Fraser Island is a sand Island and the “recycling of nutrients back through the natural system” will be a very long process.

Not only does the Government defend their fire regime but have gone as far as insinuating that QPWS was not responsible, this was to be expected as the Dept. of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has a habit of blaming visitor’s and locals for its mistakes.

It seem the Minister is reciting from a well rehearsed Government publication rather than analysing the unique situation on Fraser Island and understanding the management requirements of this fragile ecosystem. The continued mishandling of fire management does not inspire confidence for the future..we wait in anticipation the result of your investigation…

Dr. Alan Wilton (1953-2011) Prominent Australian Geneticist, Assoc. Professor of the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of NSW. Dr. Wilton devoted much of his academic life in studying the ancestry and significance of the dingo in Australia.

“ The dingo is possibly the oldest breed of dog in the world.”

“ The pure dingo in Australia could be extinct within 50 years.”

“ Born 2008 destroyed 2011.”

“..they are the only australian native classed as vermin, how sad that such a noble and loving companion is now regarded as a pest, it is not just cruel but a betrayal of the highest order” Unknown.

“Dingoes have been held in a time capsule since they were brought to Australia 5,000 years ago and since then have been running around the continent,” The Times.

The last pure Dingo populations remaining in coastal Australia are probably in the national parks between the Great Dividing Range and the east coast, and on Fraser Island.” Qld Museum.

The situation was disgusting and an International disgrace. 70% of the 100 to 120 dogs left on the Island were malnourished, the population could be wiped out within years.” Ray Revill. Former Island Ranger.